You read earlier today about former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sean Gilbert and his strong feelings about the situation surrounding Saints QB Drew Brees. As the last player to sit out an entire year in protest of the franchise tag, Gilbert has more than earned his bona fides on this topic. It’s been 15 years since Gilbert battled the franchise tag, sat out a year, then proved it was worth it. And he still hasn’t warmed up to the concept of the tag, which was, once again, part of the newest collective bargaining agreement. No, his serious opinions weren’t only for Brees. Want to hear Gilbert’s thoughts on the franchise tag? On his dealings with the franchise tag: “I wasn’t […]
Sean Gilbert, one of the earliest fighters against the franchise tag, still hates it

There are so few people who can understand what Drew Brees is going through. The Saints franchise quarterback is without a contract for 2012, and he doesn’t want to sign his franchise tag that provides no long-term security. A contract drama that has played out in public may result in Brees missing mandatory mini-camp, some of training camp, and then who knows? The possibilities are chilling and endless. To gain some perspective, I spoke to the one person who can understand what Brees is going through and what his options are — Former Pro Bowl DT Sean Gilbert. Still the last player to sit out the entire season in protest of the franchise tag, Gilbert took the one stand so […]
My story: Sean Gilbert, the last man to take a year-long stand, backs Saints QB Drew Brees

Hakeem Nicks could be ready for the start of the season, but he still comes with some risk as a WR1.
Three and out: Can Hakeem Nicks return by Week 1?

We’ve read a ton about Mike Jenkins in recent days, as the Cowboys CB is staying home for OTAs. He wants to be traded, yet the Cowboys aren’t into it. Well, the team does have a contingency plan. They could use four cornerbacks on the field at the same time in nickel, which would make Jenkins a pseudo starter. Unconventional? Yup. So is Rob Ryan. Thanks to some help from our buddies at ProFootballFocus.com, we learned it’s rare but not completely unheard of. Really, it’s just an adjustment to today’s pass-happy world. Check out my story on NFL.com about the Cowboys plans to put Jenkins on the field. Filed under: Rap Sheet Tagged: Jason Garrett, Jerry Jones, Mike Jenkins, Rob […]
My story: How the Cowboys could put four CBs on the field, including Mike Jenkins

A quick and random spin through what the heck happened in the NFL this week …
Nine really random things and whatever else is going on around the NFL…

It’s easy to call someone a bust. You just look at a series of poor performances for a guy who was drafted highly, write that he’s a bust, and boom, he’s a bust. Even this week, Ravens WR Tommy Street was fighting through “bust” labels on, like, Day 2. Really?
Eagles DE Brandon Graham’s situation makes me think twice before using the word “bust”

It’s the holiday weekend, and everyone is heading off to their various locales. But before you do… let’s take a moment to try to figure out what’s up with Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins. You’ve probably seen by now that sources say the Colts are pushing to trade for him. They appear a little frustrated, though, at some of their offers not getting any traction. As for why that is, a high-ranking Cowboys source told me, “We’re not interested in trading Mike Jenkins.” OK, then. So… What does this all mean? Well, let’s play the semantics game. That’s really how to solve this. The Cowboys say they are not “interested” in trading Jenkins. That’s a little softer than what coach Jason […]
Trying to understand the latest in the Mike Jenkins saga — Colts edition

The Cowboys wrapped up their first week of OTAs with a bunch of players making their first appearance in a while because of injury, and others making their first appearance as Cowboys. It was only open to the media one day, and we’ve already written some about it. Want some more details and reactions? OK, then… Here’s what’s up: – Training camp is still months away, but I’m already looking forward to one particular aspect of it. WR Dez Bryant and CB Brandon Carr are slated to have some serious one-on-one battles, and I am slated to enjoy watching them. The physical receiver needs a little more seasoning, and Carr needs to get acclimated to the Cowboys defense. Should be […]
Reactions and reflections following the first week of Cowboys OTAs…

The Saints held OTAs today, and it was open to the media. For the first time, everyone watched a Saints practice without coach Sean Payton or QB Drew Brees. Payton is suspended along with some others, and Brees is staying away because of contract issues. I surmised recently that the suspensions would actually help Brees, and no doubt the scene of little Chase Daniel running the team must’ve been jarring. Couldn’t have been pretty. Brees’ stance is noted by all. Reading the transcripts of the interviews of several Saints players and coaches, though, I can’t help but take one thing away from it: They think Brees will come back soon.  Sounds like they are optimistic or convinced it’ll happen. That […]
Am I missing something or do the Saints players and coaches not think Drew Brees is serious?